Raiders at Dolphins: 2022 preseason game No. 3 takeaways

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 20: Jesper Horsted #80 of the Las Vegas Raiders makes a catch during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 20, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Raiders at Dolphins: 2022 preseason game No. 3 takeaways

Bower was always a dark horse to make the 53, but so is Jesper Horsted

Edge rusher Tashawn Bower has a legitimate chance to make the 53-man roster. In fact, his odds only keep increasing as the weeks go by. The former Patriot leads his new team in sacks through 3 contests, recording a sack in each of his last two preseason outings. Bower has a real shot to see the field often in 2022, especially with Kyler Fackrell on the IR list and Clelin Ferrell still nursing an injury.

Horsted is making his case, too.

Josh McDaniels’ offense hasn’t rostered more than three tight ends heading into opening day since 2016. While that may very well be the case in 2022 as well, Horsted still finds himself in a good position. Waller and Moreau are above him, of course, but is Hollister?

During the battle in Miami, Horsted recorded a [pre]season-high 53 receiving yards, logging more than anyone on the team. Against the Jaguars and Bears combined, the possession tight end added another 2 catches for 21 yards. Hollister has just one catch for single-digit yardage in this timeframe.

If there’s one advantage Hollister has over Horsted, it’s his familiarity in McDaniels system. For those of you who don’t think this is a big deal, think again. Josh McDaniels and the Raiders’ front office values this extremely high, to the point the team dealt a draft pick for a quarterback with 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions throughout his career, along with an embarrassing 46.4 career quarterback rating.

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